The gatekeeper went in to report, and came out shortly after, saying, "Lord Shen, Lord Song has gone out and is not in the manor..."
"Not here?" Qingchen turned to look at the carriage at the door. "But Lord Song's carriage is still here..."
She told herself that she had come to see him today only for business, nothing more.
Now that we're here, we need to see the higher-ups and get the answers we need.
“Oh,” the servant was caught off guard, but quickly replied, “Sir…Sir went out in a different carriage today.”
Another carriage? He clearly didn't know Song Yue had gone out, so how did he know he had taken another carriage?
These details were not something she wanted to notice, but they were simply full of loopholes.
Qingchen gave a bitter smile. He didn't want to see her, so did he, who had never lied before, also lie?
So be it.
For him, that single word "good" meant he had said everything he needed to say.
She was in a hurry and lost her composure.
However, he portrayed the word "heartless" with such seriousness and subtlety.
"Thank you, I'll be going now." Qingchen smiled at the servant, turned around and got into the carriage.
She remained silent inside the carriage.
The ginkgo trees along the way have already turned golden, just waiting for the right wind to blow and scatter the leaves.
After a while, she lifted the carriage curtain and said to the driver, "To the Zhenfusi Yamen (Office of the Garrison Commander)."
The carriage started moving and drove away from this familiar yet unfamiliar mansion. Qingchen thought that it had taken them nearly three years to complete this "passing by".
It's truly exhausting.
Song Yue, as you wished, from now on, we will have nothing to do with each other.
...
Shortly afterward, Song Yue appeared at the door. The servant, upon seeing him, simply said, "Sir, I have returned with Lord Shen as you instructed."
Did she say anything else?
The servant shook his head. "Lord Shen left when he heard that you weren't here."
Song Yue blinked and softly replied, "Mm."
That would be best.
They hadn't seen each other for almost a month since parting ways at Zhao Qiran's house. Now, at this time, it was even more impossible for them to meet.
It's good that you've left.
Soon, he went out and sent a message to Consort Zheng's people, asking her to meet him as soon as possible.
...
The Northern Garrison Command Office.
Lu Shenyun was handling official business in the government office. When Qingchen saw him, she came to find him and was overjoyed.
These days, everyone in the Imperial Guard has been very busy, and he hasn't had time to go see her. The two haven't seen each other for more than half a month.
Today, Huang Yu wasn't in the yamen, and the absence of his usual joking banter, the sounds of people cracking melon seeds and shelling peanuts made Qing Chen feel a little uneasy. Huang Yu liked to slack off while on duty. There was a strange thing about the Embroidered Uniform Guard: the commander was always out and about, while the deputy commander was often at home.
Qingchen sat down and smiled slightly at Lu Shenyun, "Is Lord Huang not here today?"
Lu Shenyun personally brewed tea for her. "Recently, the White Lotus Sect in the south has been causing trouble frequently, so I sent him to investigate. He's been gone for several days."
"The White Lotus Sect?" Qingchen asked, somewhat surprised.
If it were just a minor disturbance, it wouldn't have alarmed the Imperial Guards in the capital, much less warranted a deputy commander personally investigating. Therefore, it seems these "troubles" must have been quite large in scale.
Speaking of the White Lotus Sect, Qingchen naturally thought of Meng Gexing. She had been away from Yunnan for more than half a year, and hadn't seen Meng Gexing for more than half a year, but his image was still clearly imprinted in her mind.
That man, full of vigor and acting recklessly, who kept saying he wanted to overthrow the Ming Dynasty.
He's probably forgotten everything she said to him about war. His current actions seem to be heading straight for the supreme imperial power of the world.
When we parted, he said he would need about two more years to prepare, but only half a year has passed...
“Hmm.” Lu Shenyun nodded. “At first, they were only causing trouble in Yunnan, but these days, they seem to be heading north. Meng Gexing is probably no longer in Yunnan; some Imperial Guards have seen him in Guizhou.”
Is the situation serious?
Meng Gexing was a bold yet meticulous man, persistent, intelligent, and daring, much like the founding emperor of the Ming Dynasty. It's easy to see how unstoppable the White Lotus Sect would be under his leadership; such a person would truly be a headache for the imperial court.
"It doesn't seem too bad right now, but we'll have to wait for Huang Yu to send a message back to give us the specifics. The local officials are dealing with them and aren't gaining any advantage." Lu Shenyun added, remembering something, "These days, there have also been White Lotus Sect members causing trouble around the capital. Try not to leave the capital. If you absolutely have to go out, just tell me and I'll send someone to protect you."
His brows furrowed slightly, and a hint of worry appeared in his eyes.
Qingchen felt a warmth in her heart and nodded, "Thank you, Lu Shenyun."
He looked at her, and couldn't help but raise his hand to gently stroke her temple with his thumb. Qingchen was taken aback.
He quickly withdrew his hand, lowered his head, and said apologetically, "...The world is too chaotic, I was afraid something might happen to you."
She shook her head, indicating that she didn't mind. "I understand... Is there something else that's worrying you?"
The White Lotus Sect has been fighting with the imperial court for many years and is already a familiar opponent to Lu Shenyun, so it shouldn't be something that worries him so much.
After a moment, he finally nodded. "It seems there are also unusual movements on the side of the King of Shu... but the news has not been confirmed yet, so we can't tell if it's true or false."
This was Lu Shenyun's more important purpose in sending Huang Yu south.
Qingchen frowned.
The White Lotus Rebellion, led by Meng Gexing, was already a major headache for the imperial court. If the addition of vassal kings were to the situation, the Ming Dynasty would face an even more difficult predicament.
This is understandable. The world is too chaotic. Some people are forced to do things out of necessity, while others want to take advantage of the chaos. In the end, it is because Zhu Rui neglected his duties and Xu Yan controlled the court for many years, resulting in chaotic administration, corrupt officials, and the abandonment of laws and regulations... turning this world into a chaotic era.
Despite this situation, Shandong officials and Xu Yan continued to line their own pockets and embezzle the interests of the state and the people.
It seems this year is going to be a turbulent one.
"Did you come to see me today because of something?" Lu Shenyun asked.
Qingchen nodded. “There seems to be a problem with the summer grain harvest in Shandong. I suspect they are reporting a surplus as a deficit. Xu Silin went to Shandong a few days ago, and I probed him. I think the Xu family might be involved. Now Zhao Qiran has also gone to Shandong. I originally wanted to ask Lord Song about it... but he's not at the manor.”
Hearing that Qingchen had gone to see Song Yue, Lu Shenyun felt somewhat uncomfortable.
He knew that since they were all officials in the same court, her contact with Song Yue was inevitable. But he just couldn't bear to see her suffer in front of Song Yue.
“I’ll help you investigate,” Lu Shenyun said. “Once I find out that Shandong colluded with the Xu family to commit counterfeiting, I will definitely not let them get away with it. Don’t worry.”
Qingchen immediately shook her head, "No. Just have someone investigate, don't do anything else... promise me."
Xu Yan is not an easy person to deal with, and gathering evidence against him will not be easy. But if Lu Shenyun really finds something, then the memorial impeaching Xu Yan should be written by her, the Vice Minister of Revenue.
If the impeachment fails, it's not hard to imagine the ruthless methods Xu Yan, like a tiger, would use to retaliate and tear her apart. The scene of Ming Xiang being raped is still vivid in her mind; she doesn't want to implicate Lu Shenyun, even though it's none of his business.
"I'll have someone check on you first... You don't look too well. Don't work too late or overwork yourself," he said softly.
"Lu Shenyun, you should also be careful."
Lu Shenyun smiled slightly: "Don't worry."
Two days later, Consort Zheng met with Song Yue as promised.
These days, Zhu Rui's health is not good; he suffers from loss of appetite and excessive sleepiness, often sleeping for more than ten hours at a time. The harem can be said to be under the control of Consort Zheng.
Even in the flickering candlelight, she remained stunningly beautiful, her figure curvaceous and graceful beneath her brocade robes.
"I've missed you for two months." After sitting down opposite Song Yue, she raised an eyebrow at him and asked alluringly, "Did you miss me?"
Song Yue had neither the desire nor the time for pleasantries, and went straight to the point, saying expressionlessly, "Zhao Qiran's urgent letter says that they are going to transport grain from Shandong to various places to sell. I need you to help me find out where this grain is coming from and where it is going to be sold."
Consort Zheng pouted somewhat discontentedly and said resentfully, "Your Excellency is still so clueless about romance. There's a beauty right in front of you, yet you don't even glance at her, and you still speak so coldly. Sigh, I don't know how to melt your ice... Why are you asking about this?"
Song Yue continued drinking his tea, ignoring her. "I have my own purpose. You'll find out when the time comes."
Consort Zheng smiled gently and said reproachfully, "It's been two years, and you still don't trust me? I told you everything about Shandong for you, doesn't that prove my sincerity?"
Her deliberately lowered voice sounded soft and magnetic.
He finally turned his head and glared at her. "If you want me to believe you, then help me get this done."
After a moment of silence, she gently scratched his face with her fingernail. "Okay. Whatever you say, I'll do whatever you say... Yue, am I good to you?"
He turned his face away, his dark eyes looking at her. "There's one more thing I need you to do for me. Once you've done it, I'll return the love poem you wrote to you."
"You're so heartless, giving me absolutely no hope..." She lowered her hand dejectedly and sighed. "What is it?"
He whispered a few words to her.
She paused for a moment, then smiled. "A dream? You really know all sorts of methods. Don't worry, this is easy. I'll definitely handle it perfectly for you."
He nodded. "Thank you, Your Highness... Take care after this is done. It's best to give up on things you shouldn't covet as soon as possible."
Although she had threatened him before, she had also helped him. Besides, she was a woman and a mother. He should have given her a word of advice, both morally and logically.
"Take care?" She raised an eyebrow slightly, her gaze falling on his handsome face. "Why does this sound like a farewell? Yue, don't forget, you want to burn away the decay, break down the old and establish the new, and save the people from suffering... All of this is inseparable from me. With me here, you can get more support."
He sighed softly, "That's all I have to say. I'll be going now."
“Wait,” she called out. “I know you don’t like me, but that’s okay. It doesn’t affect our cooperation. As a man of principle, there are always more important things to do, things that have nothing to do with romance. I understand. I’m different from other women. We can cooperate and communicate on another level, and that will satisfy me just as well.”
After a moment of silence, he said, "I would like to ask Your Majesty to take care of the two things I just discussed with you."
After saying that, he turned around and pushed open the door to leave.
A few days later, Song Yue received news that Shandong was planning to sell the embezzled grain to four surrounding provinces.
Two months ago, the summer grain harvest had just begun, and grain prices in the market were still low. The recent disturbances caused by the White Lotus Sect have driven up grain prices, making it the perfect opportunity for them to make their move. Once they've sold the grain and converted it into silver, their entire organization, from top to bottom, can divide the spoils.
Originally, Song Yue only knew that they had embezzled a lot, but he didn't know the exact amount. Now he learned that the grain to be sold to four provinces totaled 600,000 shi (a unit of dry measure), worth 300,000 taels of silver. The annual expenses of an ordinary family in the Ming Dynasty were no more than 30 taels. 300,000 taels was enough for them to live on for 10,000 years.
It seems that the lion's share of this money will go to Xu Yan. With Xu Yan, the chief minister, overseeing things, no one has dared to investigate them for so many years, which has emboldened them.
That night, Song Yue wrote a new, encrypted letter and had it delivered to Zhao Qiran by express courier on a 600-mile journey.
When Zhao Qiran saw the letter, his eyebrows were practically twisted into a pretzel.
Song Yue's instruction to him was to intercept the grain!
He was the Vice Censor-in-Chief of the Censorate, and he had always been the one investigating others. Now he was going to become a bandit himself.
It's only because of Song Yue. If it were anyone else, he wouldn't even give them a second thought, and he'd probably curse that person's ancestors afterward!
Three days later.
Based on intelligence provided by Consort Zheng, Zhao Qiran ordered ambushes to be set up on four grain transport routes. As soon as the grain carts arrived, he knocked the riders unconscious and stole the grain. Then, following pre-arranged routes, he transported the grain back to the capital in batches and multiple trips.
With the grain intercepted, everyone at the top of Shandong's power structure was gripped by fear. The Shandong governor immediately sent men to pursue it, but they recovered nothing. Once the grain reached the capital, they could only watch helplessly.
Having exhausted all other options, the Shandong governor finally sent someone to inform Xu Yan.
Xu Yan was over sixty years old. At this age, nothing could stir his emotions anymore. But this matter made him inexplicably uneasy. Firstly, because there was a traitor within his ranks, and this traitor was not of low rank. Secondly, he didn't know who the traitor was or what he wanted to do with this batch of grain.
After calming down, he immediately ordered his trusted confidants to go to Shandong to work with the Shandong authorities to investigate the people who had intercepted the grain. Soon after, they received news of the incident.
The grain was intercepted by Zhao Qiran.
Zhao Qiran was Song Yue's man. Song Yue intercepted this grain, clearly intending to use it as evidence to implicate them and bring them to justice.
That night, at the Xu residence.
After dinner, Xu Yan summoned his son, Xu Silin, to his study and explained the matter to him.
Xu Silin frowned. "Is it really Song Yue?"
A few months ago, he went to Shandong to discuss the distribution of this grain with the people there. There was precedent for this, and he had never been involved before. However, since he wanted to join the cabinet next year, he needed the support of many officials. So this time, he was actually negotiating with them, willing to concede some benefits in exchange for their support.
“No mistake.” The old fox Xu Yan’s gaze was sharp as lightning, his eyes cloudy. “Do you think Zhao Qiran intercepted the grain and managed to do it without leaving a trace? Song Yue is certainly smart, but no matter how smart he is, he is only one person, and the people around him are ultimately lacking.”
After a moment's thought, Xu Silin looked at his father, "Father, do you have any plans for this? Song Yue has evidence, and with so many people in Shandong, there's no guarantee that one or two cowards won't spill the beans. If that happens, the Xu family might..."
"Evidence?" Xu Yan countered. "What evidence?"
“Grain,” Xu Silin said, puzzled. “How can you explain so much grain?”
Xu Yan smiled slightly and slowly trimmed the wick of the lamp. "I'm asking you, who has that batch of grain now?"
Xu Silin was startled and quickly realized, "Father means..."
“Song Yue wants to use this as a pretext to bring me down and impeach me for corruption.” Xu Yan smiled slyly. “But the grain is in his hands. Whether it was me who was corrupt or him, we’ll have to see the testimonies of those people in Shandong.”
"Does Father want the people from Shandong to accuse Song Yue of embezzlement?"
“That’s right.” Xu Yan smiled. “Three hundred thousand taels of silver is enough to sentence him to death. More importantly, in the eyes of the world, he has always been benevolent, upright, and incorruptible. Now that he has suddenly embezzled three hundred thousand taels, his reputation will be completely ruined. You don’t understand, what these people fear most is not death, but the complete destruction of their reputation.”
"This time, I will not only kill him, but also make him infamous for eternity."
After speaking, Xu Yan suddenly recalled an event from more than twenty years ago.
At that time, he was just a low-ranking official of the fourth rank, serving as the Assistant Salt Commissioner. He was privately selling salt permits and embezzling salt taxes, reaping huge profits from it. This matter was discovered by a junior official of the seventh rank.
That person, who held the seventh rank, was very young, only in his twenties, and had only one son.
He wrote a memorial accusing the young man of embezzling salt taxes, intending to secretly present it to the emperor, but the young man intercepted it. Not only did he intercept it, but he also framed the young man for the embezzlement, making him his scapegoat, who was imprisoned and tortured.
Later, he bribed the prisoners to torture the man, leading to his gruesome death. On the night the man's body was placed in the coffin, he sent several assassins to break into the house, where they slaughtered the entire family and burned down the house and the dead.
In Xu Yan's eyes, it was an extremely clever frame-up, a perfect escape from danger.
More than 20 years later, he faces the same situation and plans to use the same method.
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